The Department of Agriculture (DA) welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval on Monday of its proposed P216.1 billion budget for 2026—a P39.4 billion increase from the original P176.7 billion allocation.
The additional funds are intended to bolster key agricultural infrastructure, expand crop insurance, and boost productivity programs, especially for high-impact commodities like coconut.
Pampanga Rep. Anna York Bondoc, who defended the DA budget during plenary debates, said the increase underscores the government’s recognition of agriculture as a critical economic pillar—one that employs nearly one in every five Filipinos and contributes nearly 10 percent of gross domestic product.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. thanked lawmakers for the support. ### (Photos by Jay Morales, DA-OSEC)
